The American Deluxe Stratocaster electric guitar maintains its traditional look and feel while introducing upgrades that include three N3 Noiseless single-coil pickups that still produce their revered... Read More

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The American Deluxe Stratocaster electric guitar maintains its traditional look and feel while introducing upgrades that include three N3 Noiseless single-coil pickups that still produce their revered sparkle and snap and-with noiseless design-no annoying hum.

The S-1 switching system adds additional pickup combinations beyond those provided by a standard five-way switch including new combinations of series and parallel wiring for a dazzling array of tonal choice. The compound radius fretboard that modern guitarists demand ensures strings won't fret out even with extreme bending.

Other improvements include the high-mass tremolo block that increases sustain; locking tuning keys; and a molded case with glass-reinforced latches and TSA locks.

Fender N3 Noiseless pickupsN3 Noiseless pickups deliver the best of yesterday and today, because they deliver landmark vintage Fender tone and response without the hum that can plague single-coil pickups. Using an improved stacked coil-coil design, N3 Noiseless pickups are specially tailored for each Stratocaster and Telecaster pickup position. The insulated metal core of each pickup position type differs in thickness and composition for enhanced tone, and Fender has fine-tuned the sized, shape, and wire gauge of the coils to balance the magnetic responsiveness essential to great tone. N3 pickups represent a welcome return to the warmth and clarity of alnico magnets. An Alnico 5 magnet is used in the bridge position, Alnico 2 in the middle position, and Alnico 3 for the neck position. Check the drop-down menu to the right to select colors and/or other options.

S-1 switch down:Position 1. bridge pickup in series with middle pickupPosition 2. bridge pickup in parallel with special capacitor and in series with middle pickupPosition 3. bridge/middle/neck pickups with neck and bridge pickups in parallel and in series with middle pickupPosition 4. neck pickup in parallel with special capacitor and in series with middle pickupPosition 5. neck pickup in series with middle pickup

This is probably the best strat I've ever played. These pickups deliver the true strat sounds one would expect, but with zero noise. They have an excellent syrupy vintage sound, and excel at...Read complete review

This is probably the best strat I've ever played. These pickups deliver the true strat sounds one would expect, but with zero noise. They have an excellent syrupy vintage sound, and excel at overdriven blues and clean bell like sounds. When pushed really hard they have an excellent distorted sound. They retain extreme clarity and definition while having a nice strat characteristic, but with lots of thick meaty distortion. Possibly the best all-in-one guitar I've played in a very long time. Will be picking one up as a compliment to my PRS McCarty.

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Why did I pay so much? (part2)

Ok, I am writing this review because the "Why did I pay so much? (part 1)" didn't paste in the way I wanted. I don't know if it's the...Read complete review

Ok, I am writing this review because the "Why did I pay so much? (part 1)" didn't paste in the way I wanted. I don't know if it's the formatting but some words have been left out and now the review doesn't really make much sense. Here are my thoughts about the American deluxe: everybody seems to give it high praise for it's craftsmanship and tone. I don't know if they work for fender or simply have not played any other guitars. The level of craftsmanship is fine. For a guitar in this price range I would not expect anything less. I have a Rogue mandolin that I bought for $$$ dollars and its level of craftsmanship is not worse. What bothers me is when I got this guitar the pick guard was covered with plastic film that I could not remove completely, it is still stuck under the tone knobs. The abalone inlays are cute but I wonder have big of a surcharge they are. In other parts of the world abalone and mother of pearl are cheap commodities. The tone is standard fender tone, believe me if you play it trough a bad amp it is not going to sound good. If you play a regular fender for $$$ through a good amp they are going to sound the same. Some words about the bridge: when I changed the strings I was unpleasantly surprised by the fact that the guitar had three rather wimpy springs holding it in place in the back. Not the 5 big ones that I expected (look at Clapton's Blackie). I think this contributes to the fact that the bridge really doesn't function like it should,- every time I use the tremolo bar I feel like the bridge is going to break off. In general I am saddened by the fact that fender is still milking a guitar design from the 50's. They have not improved it since. Quite on the contrary they capitalize on all the "vintage" and "relic" models, and I always want to ask them,- don't you feel ashamed that in 60 years you have not managed to make a better guitar? Buy this guitar if you are into pretty guitars. If you care about sound, it's just an average strat.

I played both the American Standard and the Deluxe prior to making my decision. I was able to test them out using a Vox AC30CC2, which I use at home. The Deluxe felt the way I expected a Strat should feel. The frets were conditioned such that there were no rough edges (unlike the the AS). The neck allowed me to play with ease. The bridge was solid and didn't vibrato just by resting your hand on it. But, most importantly, it sounded AMAZING. It was like it was singing just for me. Every song I attempted sounded the way I imagine they should sound in my head. It came via UPS in a couple days, all set up by Fender, from the GS Warehouse. Great Transaction. It brings a smile to my face everytime I strap it on. It is spectacular.

I upgraded from an MIM and rather than tell you that it's wonderful (which it is), I'll just tell you the differences and advantages of the Deluxe over the MIM. I know that's not a fair comparison, but one that I wish I had fully understood when I bought the MIM a few years ago. 1. The sound is night vs day. Every pickup position responds and sounds alive. The tone controls actually seem more responsive. This is not even counting the S1 switch. The sustain is much longer. There is such a range of tones. And they sound rich - from the chimey clean to the blues. I don't know of any tone that you might need that can't be found. With the MIM, the neck pickup always sounded too mottled and bassy no matter where the tone control was turned. 2. It is much easier to play. The compound neck may be the reason. The 9's that came with it also make it easier, but they sound great. 3. It stays in tune better with the locking tuners. Even if you leave it for a day or two, it is still sometimes right in tune. 4. It looks great, but not any better than the MIM which also looks great (unless you're looking closely at the features). So for me, I wish I knew the magnitude of these differences when I bought the MIM. They are significant and commensurate with the price.

I've been playing the guitar for quite some time now and I can tell you that there is something special about this guitar. As soon as I picked it up and plugged it in at the store (without the whammy), it felt fabulous in my hands and I could play songs that would be impossible for me to play due to sound differences and neck profiles on other guitars. It's been roughly 6 months from my purchase and I still smile every time I play it, the 3-tone burst option is truly remarkable in the stage lights. The 5 tone options are limitless with the S-1 switch, I went with the 3 single coils mainly because I can achieve all the tones as the hum bicker deluxe that is more expensive and with the S-1 switch on, the strat sounds like it has a humbucker anyway. The locking tuners keep the guitar in tune remarkably well also, it is truly unreal. I have never had any complaints, most weeks I need not check the tuning on my guitar! My last guitar was a les Paul, this guitar not only sounds much nicer but it is lighter too! When you have a gig it is extremely important to have a light guitar, I'm in my teens and a les Paul is crazy heavy man! The thin neck is simply fantastic, it's way nicer and easier to chord than on a les Paul too. The cut away at the top of the neck, where the metal square is stamped on the back, also helps more than you'd typically think. My final summation of this guitar is that it is not only extremely versatile and easy to play, but it is also something you can not just put down! It sounds good on anything! The American standard loses tuning easily, this beats it in quality and sound every time by a long shot. It is definitely worth the extra money. I listen to bands from the kooks to RHCP and even the black keys; I've never found a guitar that plays all the bands I listen to perfectly... This is the first. I can not stress how impeccable this guitar is, I challenge you to find a flaw on it. The only thing that is somewhat troubling is the plastic wrapping when you first get it, it is very difficult to remove. Nonetheless, the plastic wrapping is the pretties thing to complain about. This guitar is incredible and will last me a lifetime, the N3 pickups and the diverse range will keep me quite satisfied for the longest of times. Trust me, you will not regret your purchase.

I have been playing off and on for 30+ years and have owned several guitars ranging from Fender Lead II (1979), Les Paul Custom (1981), PRS Custom 24 , American Standard Stratocaster, MIM Nashville Telecaster. Without hesitation, this is the guitar I like the most in all those years. It is really a high quality instrument. The build quality is easily better than the late 90s American Standard I had, and although it doesn?t? have the same visual impact as my 10 top PRS, it is every bit as flawless. I have the maple fret board, S/S/S, Sunset Metallic and although I might not have picked that finish from a picture (it?s a little flashy for my taste), I quickly overcame my reluctances after playing it for a few minutes. It retains its Stratness while adding some modern amenities such as medium jumbo frets, pop in trem bar, noiseless pickups, S1 Switching, strap locks, etc.. Bear in mind that I was/am a big fan of the Strat Plus and Ultra. The case is really nice, though I think it?s made by SKB. The compound radius neck is awesome, as is the contoured heel. After having the S1 Switching I can?t imagine not having it. The locking tuners are very good, no more ?vintage? tuners for me thank you very much? There is a lot of negative buzz about the N3 noiseless pickup, but for the life of me I can?t figure out why. I mean they sound great in most every position and they are DEAD quiet. Does it sound like a 1954 Stratocaster? No, but neither does a 1970?s Strat or a split humbucker for that matter. I am not a fan of the typical humbucker sound at all (I got over that in the 80?s) and while the N3?s may not actually be true single coils, they sound great. The N3?s married with the S1 switching makes this one extremely versatile guitar. The N3 pickups sound much more full than normal single coils when play individually. Position 2 & 4 sound pretty much like a good sounding strat to my hears. I would like to see some blindfold test with all the naysayers, as I seriously doubt most could tell them from conventional single coils. Do keep in mind that I like Lace Sensor pickups Fender used in the Plus and Ultra, so it could just be my ears. I am looking for a good tone, not necessarily a ?vintage? one. In the past I have sold several guitars looking for something new/better, but I have vowed that nothing sort of an economic collapse will cause me to sell my 2011 American Deluxe Stratocaster. Very Happy indeed!!!

I'm gonna start of by saying this thing is definitely impressive, and worth the money, but... if you're looking for anything with true, raw power, i'd go for a gibson, or even a Fender Jazzmaster. The sound quality on this thing is phenomenal, especially when you're playing clean, though don't get me wrong, this baby will sound great with some distortion or overdrive. I can get some Hendrix, and Beck sounds outta this thing easily, but for lead, that's really all it's gonna be able to do for you lead wise. For rhythm this thing is a versatile masterpiece, but if you're mainly a lead guy, or are looking to be a lead guy, i'd recommend going for a guitar with some bite, like a gibson, or maybe putting some texas special pickups on this thing. This thing is perfect for some cosmic blues, and dive bombs, and feedback, but if you really wanna play solos driven by power and tone, definitely go for les paul. I mainly use this for rhythm and some songs i need the amazing whammy on, while i use my Gibson Les Paul for killer, tonal leads.

I think anyone who says, "there's no difference between a MIM Strat and an American Strat," simply just does not have the money and is too embarrassed to admit it. I played a Fender Deluxe Strat, a Fender American Standard Strat, and the Fender American Deluxe. The American Standard sounded a little better than the Deluxe, and the neck on the Standard had a little more sustain, but not much. THIS guitar, on the other hand, was MILES better than the other two. First off, the finish. Exquisite. Nothing more beautiful. I ended up with the Sunset Metallic and it's gorgeous! Electronics: noiseless pickups are amazing, American Strats just have more *pop* than other Fenders and look-alikes. I have a low end guitar with Fender Tex-Mex pickups and this Fender makes that one sound like a tin can. Neck: amazing. I'm a beginner, and the difference in bends and sustain on the American Deluxe even compared to the American Standard, was HUGE. LONG, deep sustain, crisp bends, slides with amazing precision and ease. No buzz anywhere on the neck, fast action. All guitarists should own at least one American made guitar: Martin or Taylor on the acoustic side, Fender or Gibson Les Paul on the electric side. I got mine and you should get yours! For under $1500, this guitar is amazing. It sounds like a lot of money but it's not. It's the last guitar you'll need and you won't have to go through dozens of imitations to find "the right guitar." In the long haul you'll save by going with this one because you'll never have to trade to move on or move up. This guitar is perfect!

I have been an Ibanez head all my life and the last Strat I played was in 95. Didn't care for them then, figured I wouldn't like them now. When it was time to purchase a new guitar, I decided to buy my dream guitar. An ESP standard series, I didn't look at anything else. When I got it, I realized the neck was not what I was after all along. I returned it (thanks Guitar Center!) and headed to my local GC to try out some new guitars. I played over 20 guitars in 2 hours (MusicMan, several LPs, Ibanez etc). I decided to play a new American strat just for the hell of it, didn't think I would like it at all. When I flew up and down the neck at ease, I knew it was for me. I immediately ordered an American Deluxe and still can't believe how well it plays. I play faster on this guitar, than any other guitar I have ever owned or played. The new compound radius neck is AMAZING! My particular guitar needed some minor setup out of the box, as I had some buzz on the lower frets. Added a bit of relief and adjusted action a bit and it was good to go. I'm playing through a Mesa Boogie Single Rec w/Marshal 2x12 cab (slightly boosted) and it is the exact sound I was going after. All in all my experience with Guitar Center has been exceptional. They never give me any issues about returning products I just don't like. And they have given me several discounts, even after the promotional period was over. I am a customer for life

So I got my American Deluxe about a month ago which was 2/30 and I didn't want to review it right away. I have the Rosewood tobacco sunburst SSS. It didn't have a roller nut like I was expecting it to, but I guess thats only for the HSS which was really what I wanted an HSS but they were out at guitar center. Anyways, pros and cons of this guitar include: Amazing sound. Extremely smooth. I tried out a maple neck it was a very hard decision in the end I went with rosewood, it just felt smoother and I liked the feel of wood then a lacquer. I didn't like how it wasn't much of a screamer when it came to hi gain and a lot of distortion. Sure it screamed but not like my ibanez. On that note though, I dont play a lot of metal I mostly play blues. Doesn't really matter to me of the screaming. I've been playing for 6 years now and I've played some Les Pauls and Other Strats and etc etc this one isn't the best but its up there. Its not 100% of what I wanted but I got about 90% of what I wanted. The locking tuners are so useful at the top they make everything easier. The Tremolo system is a little iffy. It stays in tune great but its not for Dive Bombing really, its no floyd rose but I'm happy with it either way. The Arm pops in and always gets out of the way when you don't need it so its a pretty nifty adjustment to the Mexi. The Finish blew my mind. Amazing. I'm just Rambling on. I haven't used the S-1 very much, I'm still messing with it, it sounds amazing, I get so much more out of my strat. My Favorite so far as been at the 1st bridge position with the S-1 I believe it activated all of the pick-ups in a series, not sure but its my favorite. Also the Middle pick-up has a lot of punch more then I was expecting. Overall amazing guitar. I'm not sure how much different it is over the 2010 pone but the 2011 one I highly recomend. It has low action. I haven't modified it at all. Like I said I'm trying to get the handle of it and see what I can and Can't do with it right now. Thanks for reading I guess? I hope this helped a bit